Drivers who pass cycle training scheme could possibly get cheaper insurance
Drivers could be given cheaper insurance should they take cycle training, while police is likely to make it simpler for visitors to submit clips showing dangerous driving, with a new prefer to protect vulnerable road users announced from the government.
The two-year scheme will go to a new “cycling and walking champion” appointed, with councils asked to spend 15% of their total transport budget on active travel.
The plan, unveiled via the transport minister Jesse Norman, was broadly welcomed by way of a coalition of walking and cycling groups. However, the trainer told us they were disappointed the plans wouldn’t place more stress on enforcing lower vehicle speeds, saying this has been the primary danger faced by people on bikes, walking or riding horses.
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Under the Department for Transport proposals, element of wider efforts to raise active travel, officials can look into the possibility of insurance vendors offering discounts to drivers or motorbike riders who pass the national cycle training system, Bikeability, which will help create them more aware of vulnerable motorists.
Another proposal is always to encourage courier companies to incentivise drivers having learning road safety associated with cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders.
The government will appoint a cycling and walking champion, to market policies encouraging these modes of transport, and fund a completely new system for police to analyse bike and dashcam footage of driver infractions mailed in by the public.
Other ideas include new powers for councils to tackle parking in cycle lanes, and inspiring local authorities to spend 15% with their local transport infrastructure funding on walking and cycling.
Norman said: “Greater road safety C and the safety of vulnerable road users including cyclists, pedestrians and riders of horses C is important. We want to improve air quality, encourage healthy exercise, reduce obesity and boost our high streets and economic productivity.
“That means more support for cycling and walking, and for that reason these new measures are designed to deliver.”
Paul Tuohy, leader of Cycling UK, said: “Lowering vehicle speeds around people walking, cycling and riding does not only limit the danger in their mind, but will also their perception of the risk.
“If we want the best way to cycling and walking in England, experiencing the consequential health, environmental and economic benefits, it’s pay off the Department for Transport needs support from across Whitehall. Other departments C health, justice, local communities and government all have to start mucking in and working when using the DfT.
“Every department will be associated with the many benefits of a lot more people cycling and walking, therefore it is only right they should actively support the DfT, financially and administratively, that will help in making this happen.”
